Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.

Time Commitment:

Contact Hours: Small ensemble - 15 hours per semester, Large ensemble - 12 hours per semester. Total Time Commitment: Students are expected to undertake self-directed study, including group rehearsals, of the equivalent of the supervised time. This should include regular periods of listening to recorded musics relevant to the area of study. Total 54 hours per semester, including 27 hours of self-directed study.

Prerequisites:

None

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None

Non Allowed Subjects:

None

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Mr Alex Pertout

Contact

Small ensembles normally consist of two or more players performing works designed to be played unconducted. Students are encouraged to investigate repertoire which allows for a balance between old and new music and a spread of instruments/voices within ensembles which goes beyond the traditional notion of chamber music. It is expected that ensembles rehearse regularly outside the formal supervised times.

In the case of composition students, this subject involves participation in directing/conducting a variety of ensembles.

Various large ensembles are arranged yearly depending on the student cohort and specific departmental and cross-departmental instrumental and vocal make up.

Objectives:

Repertoire and CompositionUpon completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Blend cohesively within a group in all areas pertaining to ensemble performance i.e. intonation, balance with respect to harmonic and melodic priorities, timbre, rhythm and pulse;• Work as a member of an ensemble i.e. understand and implement an appropriate attitude; reliability and commitment to rehearsals/tutorials and discourse amongst players;• Gain a more developed awareness of ensemble repertoire particularly in relation to each student’s specific instrumental area.

ImprovisationUpon completing this subject students should be able to:• Have developed listening and playing skills in the area of small and large ensemble performance;• Have the ability to play in an ensemble considering the aspects of style interpretation, arrangement, balance, interaction, dynamics, tempo, placement, rhythm and harmony.

• Exhibit extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of their discipline including relevant professional knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics as they relate to the practising musician• Demonstrate an open and independent attitude towards contemporary cultural developments• Demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the challenges for the professional musician in the 21st century• Critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across the broader community• Work at various levels, both individually and as a team member, in a wide variety of musical environments• Understand and appreciate how the arts connect with the broader society and culture.• Be prepared to undertake postgraduate study.